By: Mike Sullivan | Follow me on Twitter: @_MikeSullivan
When Don Sweeney acquired Hampus Lindholm from the Anaheim Ducks for a first-round pick, two second-round picks, Urho Vaakanainen and John Moore, it was widely considered a good move for Boston. Looking back at it today, it was a phenomenal move by Sweeney and crew.
Hampus Lindholm was known as a notable defenseman around the league who was still looking to reach his full potential. As a result, he was taken sixth overall by Anaheim in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Yet, like many players with potential who find themselves playing in Anaheim, they find success elsewhere. So much is the case with Hampus Lindholm.
During his nine years in the Ducks organization, Lindholm’s best season came in 2014-2015, his sophomore season in the NHL, where he posted 34 points and a +/- of +25 while also contributing 10 points in a 16-game playoff run.
Entering the 2022-2023 NHL season, Hampus Lindholm’s play would be tested relentlessly. Due to the injury to Charlie McAvoy, Lindholm would take the reigns as the Boston Bruin’s number-one defenseman, and he has not disappointed. Not only has he met expectations, but he has also exceeded them.
Through 12 games, he’s produced 13 points and finds himself with a +/- rating of +12. He has been an anchor to the Bruin’s defensive unit.
Lindholm has been a massive part of the Boston Bruin’s surge to the top of the NHL standings helping lead this team to their current record of 10-2-0. Second to only the Vegas Golden Knights, who currently stand at 11-2-0.
Not only has Lindholm been dominant in the defensive end, but he’s also helped lead the charge offensively. That particular aspect of his game was most evident in the comeback win of the season thus far against the Pittsburgh Penguins. While the team was down three goals against Sidney Crosby’s Penguins, Lindholm assisted on all three goals that helped tie the game and eventually scored the overtime winner, catapulting this team and fanbase into a frenzy.
With Charlie McAvoy set to return soon, the Bruins seem to have a two-headed monster on the blue line. Now, Jim Montgomery has a decision to make. Do you keep these two separate from each other or make one defensive paring that any team would covet?
I would like the team to spread the wealth and create two pairings to help spread out the defensive depth we have. McAvoy leading one defensive pairing, potentially with Matt Grzelcyk and Lindholm another. I would like to see Lindholm with a player like Connor Clifton or Brandon Carlo, especially because Connor Clifton has had a great start to his season, and the fact that Derek Forbort, who has been a monster up until he got hurt, will be out for a few more weeks.
Nevertheless, Hampus Lindholm has been an absolute rockstar for the Boston Bruins from the moment he got here. The acquisition of Hampus Lindholm was one of Don Sweeney’s best moves as the General Manager of the Boston Bruins. Not only trading for him but extending him to an eight-year, $52 million contract. For those counting, that’s a six-and-a-half-million-dollar cap hit per season.
Bruins fans should feel lucky to have a defenseman of Hampus Lindholm’s caliber. Without him, this Boston team is not 10-2-0. Thank you, Anaheim.
Can you imagine McAvoy and Lindy together? Wow. We’ll have to wait and see! Very good thought provoking take and nice accolades to the club’s decision making success.
We are very fortunate to have Lucky Lindy! Although luck has nothing to do with his amazing skills.